Epilepsy & Seizures

Over two million people in the United States suffer from epilepsy, a neurological condition affecting the nervous system and triggering frequent seizures in patients. Seizures are disruptions in the normal electrical activity of the brain.

Epileptic patients almost always experience seizures, but it is important to note that not all seizures are caused by epilepsy.

Overview of Epilepsy & Seizures

Causes

Epilepsy can surface due to a wide variety of causes. Sometimes there is a genetic predisposition towards it, and sometimes the exact cause may never be established, which is the case for nearly half of those who suffer from it.

Potential causes for epilepsy in some infants and children include:

Brain malformations
Lack of oxygen during birth
Intracranial hemorrhage
Maternal drug use
Fever/febrile seizures
Brain tumor
Infection
Head trauma

Diagnosis

To determine if your child has epilepsy or another seizure-related disorder, our staff will review your medical history as well as specific details about any seizures experienced. Additional testing is commonly required and often includes:

Blood tests
EEG test
CT or MRI scans

Treatment

There are several medications available to help control seizures. Your child may need to try out a few different types to see which is most effective. If seizure medication does not work, there are alternative treatments including surgery, brain stimulation, cannabidiol oil (CBD oil) and dietary and behavioral therapies. We will work with you to determine the best possible option for your child.

Other seizures we treat include:

Absence seizures
Atonic seizures
Clonic seizures
Myoclonic seizures
Tonic seizures
Simple partial/complex partial seizures
Fever/febrile seizures
Refractory seizures
Focal seizures
New onset seizures
Seizure first aid and precautions
Generalized seizures

(Adapted from the Epilepsy Foundation)

Resources

Website Resources

Support Groups

Tips/Handouts

Child Neurology Consultants of Austin has several board-certified, fellowship-trained pediatric neurologists who can evaluate your child’s seizures, including epilepsy, and guide her treatment. To learn more, request an appointment online or call us at (512) 494-4000.